The Quartersawing Difference
Different sawing techniques will affect the lumber's appearance and properties, so to understand the quartersawn difference, we must first understand the most prevalent cutting method: plainsawing, or flatsawing.
Plain sawn
Quartersawn
Quartersawn Lumber
Quartersawing is a slower process that involves cutting from the inside outwards, turning the quarter log "cant" end for end and cutting alternate faces. This method is more labor and technologically intensive, yielding slightly narrower boards, but with greater strength, stability and character than plainsawn.
Quartersawn boards all share a common characteristic - the grain pattern on the face is straight grained. In the Oaks, when the growth rings are 60-90° to the face of the board, the Medullary Rays are exposed to maximum visual effect. These rays are present in all trees, but most prominent in the Oaks. These rays are called "figure", "flake", "ray fleck", "tiger stripe" or "fleck". The quartersawn board will only shrink in thickness and will remain stable in flooring, millwork, furniture or cabinetry applications.
